Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Deputy that the installation of water meters is being carried out on behalf of Irish Water in accordance with what is a statutory responsibility and a democratic decision. Clearly, all citizens are entitled to peaceful protest and I would affirm that right, but rights come with responsibilities. Equally, if people have the right to protest, there is a responsibility not to breach the law. I am not sure whether the Deputy would stand over the danger of compromising the water supply in the area. If that is what has happened and if the gardaí were there to ensure proper water meters were installed, they were supporting Irish Water in carrying out their statutory duty and responsibility. I thought the Deputy would not support efforts that prevent working people from getting on with what they were being paid to do in those circumstances and in similar circumstances around the country where they are installing water meters.

See this speech in context